13 Great Things to Do and See in Venice

Attractive surroundings, popular landmarks, sumptuous food and the gondola rides which are unavoidable are a great attraction to many in this Italian city, basking in the Italian relaxed way of living.
Below are great tips on how to spend your holiday the minute you arrive in Venice, after alighting from your water ski.

[dropcap]1[/dropcap]Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), VeniceShutterstockTake a visit to the Rialto Bridge. This is also known as the Ponte di Rialto. In Italian, bridge means ponte. It is a popular stone bridge which is used as a crossing for the Grand Canal. After you catch your water ski from Venice Airport, you travel on this canal, giving you a great chance to view more of it.
The greatest feature of this bridge is the various stalls across it where unique goods and delights are available.

[dropcap]2[/dropcap]St Mark’s Square

St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), VeniceShutterstockSt Mark’s square is one place you should visit. It is also referred to as Piazza San Marco and in this square you find St Mark’s Basilica where two interesting activities are offered to you for free, to enjoy in one day.
In fact, if you make an early appearance through the Venice Airport water taxi, it would be advisable to ask to be directed to the Piazza. Everyone knows the way there! Ensure you catch a glimpse of the picturesque Clock Tower and the Piazzetta dei Leoncini. This is also an open space which is a delight to see.

[dropcap]3[/dropcap]St Mark’s Basilica

St Mark’s Basilica, VeniceShutterstockEnter the St Mark’s Basilica. Entrance is free, which is a pleasant surprise to many. It is normally a beehive of activity, but you can avoid the queues if you arrive early. This is among the most popular churches in this city and one of the major tourist attractions. You are able to enjoy studying the Byzantine architecture, all for free.

[dropcap]4[/dropcap]Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs, VeniceShutterstockThis popular bridge is said to have acquired its name because prisoners used to cross over it after sentencing in jail for many years in the Palazzo Ducale or Doge’s Palace (mentioned below). The prisons which are known as Piombi were on the opposite side of the bridge. It is considered romantic now, but this was quite the contrast, lots of years ago.

[dropcap]5[/dropcap]Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Ducale, VeniceShutterstockThis ancient palace which is centuries old was at one time the center of power for over seven decades in Venice. Its history is lengthy and joining a guided tour is worth it, where you can listen to narratives of legends and events which happened. This includes large storms, prisoners and conspiracies.

The gothic square’s architecture is breath taking and a bit haunting also as people used to be given a death sentence here once. You have the opportunity to enjoy the sight of various statues, fountains and art. Inside, you can explore the various rooms which are conserved with medieval artifacts and many stories also.

Every room has its own intriguing story, and you cannot resist walking in the halls for many hours.

[dropcap]6[/dropcap]parks of Venice

This city has so much more to offer other than its well known canals, beautiful architecture and waterways. There are many attractive parks in the city such as Giardini Papadopoli to Giardini Napoleonici. Therefore, if you feel like having a break from the hectic city life, you can have a picnic in any of these parks.

[dropcap]7[/dropcap]Venice Streets

Venice Street at NightShutterstockTake advantage of most of Venice. Venice is made up of streets and canals which intersect with each other. Getting lost is next to impossible, so be confident and do away with the map! You will most probably come across a lot of fascinating sights by just walking around and exploring the city on your own.
This city definitely has famous spots, but other features such as squares, waterways and winding streets which offer their own charm are also available, though not well known.

[dropcap]8[/dropcap]Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace, VeniceShutterstockMost people take note of this magnificent building when travelling to their hotels using Venice Airport Water ski. Make sure you later pay it a visit, during your trip so as to enjoy the Gothic beauty from close quarters. This palace offers a number of tours, so ensure you make at least one booking for them.

[dropcap]9[/dropcap]Jewish Ghetto

Jewish Ghetto, VeniceShutterstockAlso known as the Venetian Ghetto, this area housed Jews at the time of Venetian Republic. The area is conspicuous because its buildings are much taller than some other sections of the city. The reason is that the Jews had to utilize a small area and therefore built their houses higher than required elsewhere. It is a fascinating area and definitely worth visiting!

[dropcap]10[/dropcap]San Giorgio Maggiore

San Giorgio Maggiore Island and ChurchShutterstockWhen you have a chance set out for San Giorgio Maggiore Island, to see the church, which has a similar name. It goes back to the 16th century and its history and size is very captivating. Its popularity stems from being the center of attraction in the whole island and entry is free. You are able to view two appealing paintings by Sebastiano Ricci, the artist.

[dropcap]11[/dropcap]St Mark’s Clock Tower

St Mark’s Clock Tower, VeniceShutterstockOn the way to the Piazza San Marco you have the chance to see St Mark’s Clock Tower, also referred to as Torre dell’Orologio. Be ready to handle the stairs which will take you inside the tower. However, they are worth the climb as you will enjoy the sight from the top. Some years back, The Clock Tower featured famously in the Bond movie ‘Moonraker.’

[dropcap]12[/dropcap]Rialto Market

Rialto Market, Veniceoutcast85 / Shutterstock.com

Chefs found in Venice’s best restaurants together with other people, have depended on the Rialto Markets for more than a thousand years, for the provision of food and wares. For decades, the Venetians have appreciated how vital sustainable fishing practices are, and these standards are still being upheld today.

Vegetables and fresh seafood are important and many chefs get their fresh supplies from here each day very early in the morning. You can access this old market by crossing over the scenic Rialto Bridge.

[dropcap]13[/dropcap]Grand Canal

Ride in a gondola along the Grand CanalShutterstockTake a ride in a gondola along the Grand Canal. In case you do not see other canals in the city, although this is not possible, make sure you view the Grand Canal. It is a different experience when you travel in a Venice Airport Water taxi and when you take a gondola ride. Therefore, ensure you choose a real life experience when you visit the city.

The price is set per gondola and each can accommodate six people. If you desire a romantic ride for two, you will be required to pay more than you would have if you were sharing the gondola with other people.

When exploring this city, ensure you do not miss out on the above remarkable sights and experiences.